Bear activity on the rise in the South Okanagan

Bear sightings are on the rise in the South Okanagan as fall weather diminishes food sources at higher elevations.

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August 31, 2016 - 2:30 PM

PENTICTON - It’s bear season again in the South Okanagan.

Penticton conservation officer Dave Cox says the warmer, drier weather of the past few weeks has led to an increase in bear activity in the valley bottom as food sources for bears dry up at higher elevations.

“None of the bear activity has resulted in conflict. It’s mainly been nuisance activity, getting into farmers’ crops and garbage,” Cox says.

No bears have been destroyed yet, but Cox says a nuisance bear in Naramata is being trapped and once caught will likely have to be destroyed.

A bear spotted near the downtown core in Penticton on Saturday, Aug. 27 was scared out of the area and hasn’t returned, Cox says.

“We are working to prevent urban incursions, and educate people to take the necessary steps to keep bears and themselves safe,” he says, adding it’s normal to see an increase in bear activity this time of year.

Anyone encountering or experiencing problems with bears are encouraged to contact the province’s RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

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